Akai Pro MPC Series | Connecting the MPC to External Gear

In this guide we will cover the basic steps to configure your MPC for MIDI input/output control to an external device using a 5-Pin MIDI DIN connection.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• MIDI In from an External Device
• MIDI Out to an External Device
• Audio Set Up
• MIDI Machine Control (MMC)

MIDI In from an External Device

• Connect a standard 5-Pin MIDI DIN cable to your MPC's MIDI In port.
• Connect the other end of the 5-Pin MIDI DIN cable to your external device's MIDI Out port 

Go to Menu > Preferences > MIDI / Sync:

Input Ports: Enable these ports - Global, Track, Sync 

MPC Keyboard

MPC Pads

Enable these ports: Global, Track, Sync

Create a new MIDI Track on the MPC

Set the appropriate MIDI Input port

Configure your external device properly so it can send MIDI to the MPC.

MIDI Out to an External Device

• Connect a standard 5-Pin MIDI DIN cable to your MPC's MIDI Out port.
• Connect the other end of the 5-Pin MIDI DIN cable to your external device's MIDI In port 

Go to Menu > Preferences > MIDI / Sync:

Input Ports:

MPC Keyboard

MPC Pad

Enable these ports - Global, Track, Sync 

Output Ports: Enable these ports - Track, Sync

MIDI Control Mode Output: Select the output port you will be using:

Create a new MIDI Track on the MPC

Set the appropriate MIDI Output Port

Configure your external device properly so it can receive MIDI from the MPC.

Audio Set Up

In the scenario that you are using the MPC to trigger sounds from your external synth, please see the steps to route the audio correctly:

1. Connect 1/4inch TRS jack cables from the MPC's Inputs to your synths Main Outputs
   
   
2. Connect 1/4inch TRS audio cables from the MPC's Main Outputs to the Inputs of your external speakers or audio interface
   
   
3. Go to MPC Sampler and chose Input 1,2 then select the In monitoring state:
   
   

   
   

MIDI Machine Control (MMC)

Your MPC hardware can also send and receive MIDI Machine Control (MMC) messages, a standard protocol for transport controls. 

Important: Your external device must also be capable of sending/receiving MMC for this set up to work.

The MPC hardware can send these messages:

To set up your MPC hardware to send MMC messages to an external device:

1. Use a standard 5-pin MIDI cable to connect your MPC hardware’s MIDI Out A to the MIDI input of your external device.

2. Press Menu to show the menu, and tap the gear icon to enter the Preferences.

3. Tap the Sync tab.

4. Tap the Send Port 1 field, and use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select Midi Out A.

5. Tap the Send MMC box so it is enabled (checked).

6. Exit the Preferences.

7. Configure your other device properly so it can receive MMC messages.

The MPC hardware can receive these messages: 

To set up your MPC hardware to receive MMC messages from an external device:

1. Use a standard 5-pin MIDI cable to connect your MPC hardware’s MIDI In A to the MIDI output of your external device.

2. Press Menu to show the menu, and tap the gear icon to enter the Preferences.

3. Tap the Sync tab.

4. Tap the Receive MMC box so it is enabled (checked).

5. Exit the Preferences. 6. Configure your other device properly so it can send MMC messages.